Bangalore: Japanese carmaker Toyota said employees at its strike-hit complex in southern India returned to work on Tuesday, ending a five-week stand-off.

Unionised employees had refused to go back to their jobs at the twin plant complex near high-tech hub Bangalore following an end to an eight-day company lockout last month, amid a dispute over pay and other issues.

The workers’ decision to return to their jobs came after the state government of Karnataka, home to the Toyota manufacturing complex, at the weekend ordered the two sides to restore operations “to maintain industrial peace and harmony”.

The workers have been demanding wage rises of up to Rs.4,000 rupees ($65) a month while Toyota is offering a maximum $3,000 rupees.

Automakers have been facing tough times in India, with car sales shrinking for two straight years, and have been trying to limit pay rises.